Jay Shah takes over International Cricket Council amid nepotism controversy

Jay Shah, India’s cricket chief, has been elected unopposed as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the global governing body for the sport announced on Tuesday. Shah will assume the role in December, succeeding Greg Barclay, who chose not to pursue a third term.

Youngest ICC Chairman in cricket history

Shah, 35, has quickly risen to prominence in the cricketing world. He has served as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2019 and is now set to become the youngest ICC chairman in history. His election marks a significant moment for Indian cricket’s influence on the global stage.

In a statement following the announcement, Shah said he was “humbled” by the appointment and expressed his commitment to making cricket more inclusive and popular globally. “I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket,” he said, emphasizing his vision of “fresh thinking and innovation” to enhance the sport’s global appeal.

Jay Shah’s impact on Indian cricket and the IPL

Shah’s meteoric rise is emblematic of India’s increasing dominance in cricket administration. With more than 90 percent of the sport’s billion-plus global fans residing in the Indian subcontinent, according to a 2018 ICC study, India’s influence over the game is unparalleled. The BCCI, which Shah oversees, is considered the world’s wealthiest cricket board, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become one of the most lucrative competitions in global sports.

Under Shah’s leadership, the BCCI successfully negotiated a $6.2 billion broadcast rights deal for the IPL in 2022, a landmark moment that cemented the tournament’s place among the highest-valued sports leagues globally. Shah has also been credited with supporting the development of the Women’s Premier League, which debuted in 2023, showcasing his commitment to elevating women’s cricket.

Shah’s ascent to ICC chairman is not without controversy. His father, Amit Shah, is India’s interior minister and a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Critics have pointed to the intertwining of cricket and politics in India, raising concerns about nepotism and the blurred lines between the two domains. Shah himself rose through the cricket administration ranks in his home state of Gujarat, where his father previously served as president of the Gujarat Cricket Association.

Despite these criticisms, Shah’s impact on Indian cricket has been substantial. He has focused on improving conditions for players and staff, ensuring better pay and contracts for coaches and ground staff. His leadership also helped secure cricket’s return to the Olympic program, with the sport set to make its return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Shah’s tenure will begin at a critical juncture for the ICC, as cricket continues to expand its global footprint. He has spoken optimistically about the future, expressing confidence that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics will further boost its growth.

“The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways,” Shah said.

Shah’s leadership has not been without its challenges, particularly regarding infrastructure. Critics have highlighted that while the BCCI’s revenue has soared, Indian cricket stadiums have not seen equivalent upgrades to improve the viewing experience for fans.

Still, Shah remains undeterred. His influence extends beyond India, as he also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He has been instrumental in securing cricket’s inclusion in international multi-sport events, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and the Asian Games in Guangzhou the same year.

Former Indian cricket star Sunil Gavaskar praised Shah’s approach, stating that Shah’s leadership has already begun to benefit not only Indian players but cricketers worldwide. “Just as he has done for Indian cricket, both men and women, players worldwide will benefit,” Gavaskar wrote in a column for Sportstar.